Slump in Britons visiting USA

The UK's leading long-haul tour operator has blamed stringent security measures and confusion over visas for a dramatic downturn in the number of British travellers visiting America. Kuoni claims that its bookings for the USA were down 30 per cent last year from 2004.

Hurricane Katrina, which tore through Florida and devastated New Orleans, and negative feeling over America's attack on Iraq have put travellers off, but Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs said the 'chaos over visas' was mainly to blame.

'Last year was our toughest year ever for bookings to all destinations, but America shot itself in the foot. It's going to take along time to build it back again.'

A host of new security procedures intended to prevent terrorism have been introduced since 9/11, including taking digital fingerprints and photographs of incoming passengers.

Another piece of stringent US Government policy, the Advanced Passenger Information legislation, will come into play on 7 March, demanding all non-US passengers register additional details, including their home address and the address of their first night's accommodation in the States.

While stricter measures continue to be introduced, the department of Homeland Security was forced to admit its brusque approach may be damaging tourism after travellers complained staff acted in an unfriendly and occasionally aggressive manner. Methods to make visitors feel more welcome are being trialled at Washington Dulles and Houston George Bush airports, where staff are being trained as 'friendly greeters' and video welcome messages will be played.

It might take more than a 'have a nice day' video clip to entice travellers back. Philip Brook, an actor from London fell foul of security staff at Miami on a family holiday in 2004, when officials demanded he and his wife be searched separately for half an hour, while their twin four-year-old daughters went on ahead alone.

'They couldn't understand why we insisted on keeping them with us. I was furious. If I consider going back to Miami, I think "oh God, I'd rather not".'